Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo loop an existing gaming video on YouTube Live with OBS, add it to a scene as a Media Source and enable Loop. For a rotation of several videos, use OBS’s VLC Video source and create a playlist; VLC must be installed. Connect OBS to a YouTube Live stream with its stream URL and private stream key, then check the preview and audio before you treat the broadcast as ready.
One important limit: YouTube says a stream under 12 hours can be automatically archived, but a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. A continuous broadcast is not a guarantee of one complete YouTube replay, so plan local recording if keeping the video matters.
Choose the right OBS source
This guide is for replaying prerecorded gaming footage. It is different from capturing gameplay as it happens: for live gameplay, OBS uses sources such as Game Capture on Windows or a video capture device. Those sources do not loop an archive file.
| What you want to play | OBS source | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| One local video file | Media Source | Enable Loop to restart the file when it ends. |
| Several files in sequence or shuffled | VLC Video | VLC must be installed. Loop Playlist is enabled by default; select shuffle if you want randomized playback. |
| Gameplay captured live | Game Capture or a video capture device | Game Capture is available on Windows. A capture device, including a capture card, may be appropriate for an external gameplay source. |
OBS documents supported Media Source formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and WebM. See the OBS Project’s Media Sources guide and Sources Guide for source details.
The Tool Desk
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- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Set up a looped video or playlist in OBS
Loop one gaming video
- Open OBS and create or select the scene you want to stream.
- In the Sources dock, select + and add Media Source. Name the source if useful, then confirm.
- In the Media Source properties, select the local video file.
- Enable Loop, then confirm the properties. Preview the scene and check that playback starts and restarts as expected.
Loop a playlist of videos
- Install VLC if it is not already installed; OBS’s VLC Video source depends on it.
- In the scene’s Sources dock, select + and add VLC Video.
- In the source properties, add the files you want in the playlist and arrange their order.
- Leave Loop Playlist enabled to repeat the list. Select shuffle only if you want the playback order randomized.
- Confirm the properties and watch the preview through a file change so you can verify the playlist advances and repeats.
OBS’s Media Sources guide describes the file source and VLC playlist options.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or select the stream you intend to use.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key shown for that stream. In OBS, open Settings > Stream, choose YouTube as the service, and enter the connection details as required by the selected service configuration.
- Keep the stream key private. YouTube uses it to route the encoder feed to the correct stream; if it is exposed or compromised, reset it in YouTube Studio.
- Start streaming in OBS. Check that the incoming preview appears in Live Control Room, and confirm both video and audio are working.
- If your stream’s settings require it, start the YouTube event in Live Control Room after OBS is sending the feed. Test the setup before relying on it and monitor the stream while it runs.
YouTube explains stream URLs, keys, and stream controls in Manage live stream settings, and the encoder connection and start/end flow in Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
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Plan for YouTube’s archive and DVR limits
Automatic archive is not assured for a continuous stream
YouTube’s guidance says, “If your live stream is less than 12 hours, YouTube can automatically archive it for you.” It also warns that streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. This is an archive threshold, not a promise that every shorter stream will be saved successfully. If a complete replay matters, enable local recording in OBS and consider planned stream segments rather than relying on one uninterrupted broadcast. Splitting sessions does not guarantee that every segment will archive.
Read YouTube’s Archive live streams guidance before relying on a YouTube replay.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
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- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
DVR is separate from the saved replay
DVR lets viewers pause and resume a live stream; it is not the same as an archive after the broadcast ends. On very long streams, rewind can be limited or unavailable after 12 hours. DVR support may also be more limited on Apple TV, AirPlay, and older apps, and viewers cannot seek to a point before the stream began. YouTube covers these controls in Turn on DVR on live streams.
Record a local safety copy
- In OBS, open Settings > Output and configure the recording options, including a recording path with enough available storage.
- Choose MKV as the recording format. OBS recommends MKV because an unexpected stop is less likely to corrupt the entire recording.
- Start recording locally as well as streaming. Check the destination folder while live and verify that the file size is increasing.
- After the broadcast, confirm the recording plays before deleting or replacing source files.
OBS explains recording while streaming and its MKV recommendation in the Standard Recording Output Guide. YouTube also recommends testing, monitoring stream quality, and verifying local recording in its live streaming tips.
Rank #4
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- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
Copyright and channel-policy checks
Before broadcasting an archive, make sure you have the rights or permissions needed for every part of it, including game footage, music, overlays, and other included material. A video playing in a loop does not change the rights attached to that content. YouTube’s live-streaming and copyright policies can affect whether a stream is allowed to remain live or whether a replay is available. Review the applicable rules in YouTube Studio and use the platform’s copyright guidance if you are unsure; do not assume that owning a game or recording gameplay automatically clears every soundtrack or third-party asset.
Also distinguish technical availability from channel eligibility: OBS can send a feed, but that alone does not establish that a channel meets YouTube’s requirements to live stream. Check the current YouTube account and live-stream settings before scheduling a broadcast.
Best Value
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The video stops at the end of the file | Loop is not enabled on the Media Source. | Open the source properties and enable Loop; preview the restart. |
| A VLC playlist source is missing | VLC is not installed or OBS cannot find the installation. | Install VLC, restart OBS if needed, then add the VLC Video source again. |
| The playlist ends instead of repeating | Loop Playlist is disabled. | Open VLC Video properties and enable Loop Playlist. |
| YouTube does not show an incoming preview | The stream URL or key may be wrong, or OBS may not be sending. | Confirm OBS is streaming, recheck the stream’s URL and key in Live Control Room, and keep the key private. |
| The preview appears but viewers cannot hear the game audio | The source or OBS audio routing may not be reaching the stream. | Check OBS audio meters during playback and verify the intended source is audible in the preview before continuing. |
| A very long broadcast has no complete YouTube replay | Streams over 12 hours may not be captured. | Use a local OBS recording as the dependable copy and consider deliberate session boundaries if YouTube archives are important. |
| The local backup is missing or incomplete | Recording may not have started, the destination may lack space, or the file may not have been finalized after an interruption. | Start local recording explicitly, monitor the file size and free space, and use MKV to reduce the risk of losing the entire file after an unexpected stop. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a prerecorded YouTube channel that stays live without leaving OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing needs to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud.
- One flat price per slot covers the quality of the uploaded video, up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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